Many states, including New York State, require a yearly physical examination for children entering a new school year, for K through grade 12.
This important assessment tells parents, healthcare providers, and schools that a child is ready and able to take on the demands of a full academic year, including sports programs and club activities.
Here’s what your pediatrician wants you to know about school physicals.
Head-to-Toe Assessment
A school physical conducted by your child’s pediatrician, typically consists of an examination of a youngster’s:
- Vision
- Hearing
- Reflexes, muscular strength, and coordination
- Ears, nose, and throat
- Hair, skin, and nails
- Lungs
- Heart
- Lymph nodes
- Abdomen
- Musculoskeletal system, including the spine (for scoliosis and other defects)
The pediatrician will also check vital signs (heart and respiratory rate and body temperature), height, weight, and whether important developmental milestones are being met, such as the onset of puberty.
This physical assessment is accompanied by a thorough review of your child’s medical history, including health conditions and risk factorsthat may run in the family (e.g., for diabetes, asthma, allergies).
Your child’s pediatrician will also discuss nutrition, diet, safety, and exercise– as well as any concerns or questions you or your child may have.
When a child is on track with developmental milestones and has signs of good overall health, they are generally is ready to begin the school year.
Parents:if you have questions about a health issue or your child’s readiness for school, ask your pediatrician during this examination appointment.
Vaccination Update
The New York State Education Department also requires that children be up to date on their required vaccinations,per the published guidelines of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as the American Academy of Pediatrics. At Village Pediatric Group in Tuckahoe, New York, our doctors administer the shots during well-child visits or school physicals as needed.
For daycare, pre-K and elementary school, the required shots are polio, DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis), MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella), hepatitis B, pneumonia, influenza, and varicella (chickenpox).
Plus, our pediatricians will complete the documentation the schools ask for and keep a shot record in your child’s electronic records. As the parent, you also are entitled to a copy of your child’s record of vaccinations.
Proof of Examination
Our pediatricians are also happy to complete your school’s required forms to prove your child has completed the school physical and is cleared for participation in sports or club activities.
Village Pediatric Group Partners With Parents And Schools
At our pediatric practice in Tuckahoe, New York, our board-certified physicians take school physicals seriously. These exams are important preventive healthcare tools that can assist parents and schools in keeping kids safe and healthy throughout the year.
If you need a school physical for your youngster, contact our team Village Pediatric Group to schedule a convenient appointment time with Dr. Heather McGowan, Dr. Lourdemillard Bellevue, or Dr. Sandra Hughes. When you come to the office, please bring the required school physical forms for us to complete and sign.
Call us at (914) 771-7070 or request your visit now.
